A new hybrid water-injection dredger that uses a hybrid energy management system to reduce emissions has launched a programme of work on the River Thames.
Built for Van Oord by Kooiman Marine Group, Maas visited Forth Ports’ Port of Tilbury (POTL) on 27 April. The vessel reduces CO2 emissions by capturing residual heat in batteries to propel diesel-electric engines.
Port of London Authority (PLA) head of environment, Tanya Ferry, said: “It’s great to see emissions-reducing ships like Maas make their first calls on the river.”
Efficient operations
The vessel, one of a pair, also features heave compensation and dynamic positioning technology. This enhances its efficiency, by allowing operations to be pre-programmed in greater detail in advance.
Other features include the ability to instantly switch between water injection modes from the bridge. The dredger is also equipped with a multi-beam echosounder, enabling online updates of the dredged seabed.
The PLA’s hydrographic team, who survey and chart the area for POTL, was closely involved in Maas’ debut operation on the Thames.
Nick Evans, POTL marine asset manager, declared the visit a success, recording a “significant improvement” in the navigability of the dock entrance.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
